First baseman Neleigh Herring and infielder Madyson Espinosa join the podcast to talk about the start of softball season, pets and candy. We discuss their roles in team chemistry, what they learned from fall scrimmages and newcomers to watch. We also dive into Espinosa’s “Shocks” tattoo and her affection for the team, how Hank the guinea pig helped win an important series last season and the whys of shortstop Sydney McKinney’s talents. And, of course, we talk about Hi-Chew candy and Espinosa’s role in that part of Shocker softball.
Radio voice Steve Strain discusses why the Shockers are scoring more, how improved post play is helping, Seraphine Bastin’s leadership role and how the AAC race is stacking up.
Wichita State softball assistant Presley Bell joins the podcast to discuss fall practices. She breaks down her pitching staff and talks about some of the position players who caught her eye. Bell also talks about her coaching influences, how team chemistry works for the Shockers and how often last season’s NCAA regional success is mentioned. We wrap up with Christmas talk – presents for her dogs, favorite song and favorite foods.
Wichita State wraps up the season with two matches this week. Liberos Lily Liekweg, Bryn Stansberry and Annalie Heliste join the podcast to discuss this season’s success, communication in the back row and the depth of Chris Lamb scouting reports. We talk about what it takes to earn your goggles in their group, spider webs and favorite Thanksgiving tradition.
Voice of the Shockers Mike Kennedy joins us to discuss Wichita State’s volleyball win streak, the start of basketball season and the additions to the American Athletic Conference. He talks about the effectiveness of Shocker middles Natalie Foster and Morgan Stout, what he likes about basketball newcomers Joe Pleasant, Qua Grant and Kenny Pohto and the upside of new conference members such as North Texas, Rice and Charlotte.
Shocker assistant baseball coach Mike Sirianni joins the podcast to wrap up fall baseball practices. Sirianni discusses fall practices with fewer COVID-19 restrictions and how veterans such as Ross Cadena and Garrett Kocis helped the newcomers. We talk about the unique architecture of Wichita State’s offices, recruiting in Texas and how the pro and college coaching styles mesh on the staff. Sirianni also talks about some key lineup developments in the fall and newcomers such as Payton Tolle, Brock Rodden and Xavier Casserilla. His World Series pick? The Atlanta Braves.
Sophomore DJ McCarty and freshman Ella Anciaux stop by to discuss the Shockers progress three weeks before the opener. They talk about the emphasis in practice on defense and the summer work on shooting. McCarty reveal’s Anciaux’s nickname, her belief that Kobe Bryant is the GOAT and discusses working to act as more of a vocal leader on the court. Anciaux tells us why she enjoys the diverse nationalities on the roster and how she acts as a tour guide around Wichita.
Radio/TV analyst Bob Hull drops by to talk about the start of regular-season practices for Wichita State. Bob reveals his favorite city to visit in the American Athletic Conference and which arena offers the best atmosphere. We dig into the Shocker roster and how coach Isaac Brown might go about improving his team’s shooting. Bob discusses how newcomers such as Qua Grant and Joe Pleasant will fit in, why he thinks guard Craig Porter Jr., is improved and describes a Tyson Etienne moment in practice this week.
Jed Helker, fresh off his 8-kilometer win in the Greeno/Dirksen Invitational in Nebraska, talks about how he knocked 40 seconds off his personal best and why there is much optimism for the men’s cross country team. He discusses how the atmosphere at Wichita State attracted him as a recruit out of Oklahoma and coach Kirk Hunter’s blend of caring for his runners and pushing them. We also discuss how Oklahoma coach Hannah Fields, his older sister, influenced his running career and his motivations for considering coaching as a career.
Associate head coach Elizabeth Economon returns to the podcast to set up fall practices for the Shockers. We talk about recruiting with the momentum of 2021 behind the program, replacing key infield spots and how two transfers might fit in. We also discuss why shortstop Sydney McKinney hits all kind of pitches all over the field, pets of the Shockers and which softball player might offer the most interesting conversation at the softball dinner and auction on Sept. 25.
